Scientific Instruments
1880s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century German Other Scientific Instruments
Plaster
19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Walnut
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Ceramic
Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass, Iron
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Rubber
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Boxwood
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Composition
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Walnut
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 19th Century Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century German Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Mahogany, Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Brass
Late 19th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Resin
Early 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Bronze
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood, Paper
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Early 20th Century Indonesian Scientific Instruments
Copper, Iron
20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments
Wood
Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Late 18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Linen
1820s Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Bronze
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Scagliola, Wood
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Silver
Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments
Copper, Brass
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Plaster, Wood, Paper
19th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Glass
19th Century Irish Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Giltwood
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Wood
Early 20th Century Russian Belle Époque Scientific Instruments
Lapis Lazuli
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Brass
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Metal
Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.